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Friday 31 July 2015

The Last Post

Hello crafting friends and, well, sadly, it's also goodbye from me.

This blog grew up on the simple principle that I would provide you with crafting inspiration from Monday to Friday, with a few laughs thrown in, if you would place your Stampin' Up orders with me sometimes. I am deeply grateful that some of you did. I'm also humbled to have received emails from all over the world admiring my designs - and some of you seemed to like the little anecdotes at the end of each post too! The icing on my cake was being chosen to represent the UK on Stampin' Up's Artisan Design Team - what a proud moment and a wonderful year working with some amazing talent!

I want to say a really huge thank you to everyone that has supported my business over the last five years. Thanks too to all my regular readers and everyone who has left messages here for me. I have loved reading them and am always bowled over by our wonderful crafting community :)

EDITED TO ADD: Thank you so very much for your heartwarming messages and good wishes. It's wonderful to feel so appreciated! 

THREE WAYS TO SAY GOODBYE
This blog featured my lovely family so much that I asked my daughter and youngest son what they thought should go in my last post. They discussed it with great enthusiasm and these punning cards were the result! Come and see:


Actually this one was my idea! What a cutie this little duck is and he's happy to be stamped onto designer paper! The banner from Endless Thanks is perfect for freshening up the traditional images in The Wilderness Awaits. I've doodled my apt sentiment inside the banner but you may feel happier using the beautiful greetings provided with the set!


My son came up with this idea and I thought it was hysterical! The lettuce image is from Market Fresh, coloured with an aquapainter and inks. I inked up the banner and part of the sentiment again, this time with a grey marker, stamped it and cut it out before adding the word 'leaf' where it said 'celebrate' before! Clever huh?! (Now it says 'let us leave' for those that are struggling!)


This one is courtesy of my daughter and made me giggle too. The cutie patoot cat is from You Little Furball, and she's sashaying about on a Dotty Angles background. I doodled the punning sentiment, cut it out with the Washi Label punch and finished the card with a bow tie snipped out of card stock with a tiny star punch :)

I hope we've given you a giggle with these cards and perhaps a tiny last bit of inspiration too!

BUY THE SUPPLIES TO MAKE THESE CARDS NOW!
Click on any item to be transported to my online shop!


You may not be able to buy Stampin' Up supplies from me after today, but there are some other wonderful demonstrators flying the flag for these fabulous products!

Lizy Bartaby who blogs regularly and is a constant inspiration with her beautiful, CAS designs.
She also holds classes and offers parties in Bolton and the North West.
• Jan Malcolm whose blog I love for its cheerful, chatty style and who offers parties in Hertfordshire
Yvonne Potterton who loves to help people discover and develop their creativity.
She offers parties and classes in the Leicestershire area.
Jackie Collins whose passion for crafting is infectious and who offers classes and parties in the Bedfordshire area.
Em Fairley, regular blogger, pillar of the online crafting community and all round stamping queen!



I'll leave you with a scene from Crafting Clare Towers, where Eva pup is feeling a bit bored.


"I know," she's saying. "I'll have a look for that pussycat - I'm sure she'll want to play! Have you seen her anywhere?"

Take good care of yourselves and enjoy your crafting!

Hugs,

59 comments:

  1. What??? Oh dear. I've been back a few posts to see if there's more info about why you're stopping, but I can' seem to find it. Anyway, I trust you to know what's good for you, but please know that I will definitely miss your inspiration! All the best to you and your family (and Eva pup, of course!)

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  2. Best wishes and God bless you and your family as you embark on your next adventure. You are very talented. Best wishes from me here in St Louis, Missouri USA.

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  3. I'm going to miss you soooo much, I have so enjoyed your posts, your inspiration, and your lovely sense of humour. Thank you for sharing all your crafty tips and anecdotes, and best wishes to you and your family xxx

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  4. Hello Vicky, I'm from Canada and have been enjoying your posts and designs so much! I'm just going to say that I hope you'll consider maintaining your blog posts, not as a Stampin Up rep., but just on your own merits. If that's not possible, then I wish you much happiness and success in whatever ventures are ahead for you. Thanks for the pleasure you've given so many of us.

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  5. Missing you already xx

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  6. Vicky sorry to see you go but wish you well for the future and thank you for all your inspiration

    Anne

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  7. Love your choice of cards to bow out with today Vicky - so punny, so beautifully coloured and so you! Your daily musings and artistic inspiration will be missed! Enjoy spending more time with your family.

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  8. Vicky xxx biggest hugs and it's sad to see you go!

    I have loved your inspiration, although my bank account didn't as you were the reason Me and Lizy got into Stampin Up

    All the best xxxx

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  9. Whaaat? So sorry to see you go, have loved looking at your inspiration. All the best for the future.

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  10. Morning Vicky, wow what a last post! Love the punned cards and the last photo of Eva.
    I'm hoping you will still blog occasionally we will all miss your inspiration. Thanks to you my all time favourite stamp set is Everything Eleanor. Wishing you all the best Vicky
    Much love
    Val xx

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  11. So sorry to see you go Vicky, I have enjoyed your blog over the years and as I've already told you, you have made me a better demo because of your example. I know you must be going for a good reason so good luck in your future adventures. Hugs from Sharon (N.Ireland)

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  12. Hi Vicky, such fab cards as always. Oh myyyyy! I hadn't realised that you would stop blogging. I thought you were just stopping the Stampin Up part ;( I am so sad to see you go................I wish you all the best of course. I do hope you do a little blogging in the future...I will miss your lovely cards and your little anecdotes too. big hugs Viv xx

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  13. I cannot say it any better than Lesley G has.
    Wishing you all the very best Vicky. Will certainly miss you.

    Thanks for everything.

    Huge hugs, Sarn xxx

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  14. Couldn't believe it! But it must be true. Seems so sad to see you go. Will miss your fabulous inspiration and creations. Best wishes in all you do. Vx

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  15. Vicky!! This is the saddest thing (purely selfish of me, I know) I have read in a long time. I LOVE visiting your blog, love your style, and will miss the little family anecdotes. I hope you have lots of big, bright, things in your future. Thanks for sharing, and for inspiring me. xx

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  16. Sad face here - but happy that you made a decision that's right for you and your lovely family. We'll miss you, and Eva Pup of course!

    Hugs

    Di xx

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  17. Gosh, I'm going to miss not seeing my daily dose of your gorgeous creations along with the comings & goings of your delightful family :-( . Sadly some things come to an end but I hope your craftyness continues for a long time to come. If you create another blog, please let me know via facebook or my blog. Give Tuppence and Eva a cuddle for me. Squishy hugs, Helen

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  18. I always loved when you posted. Your inspiration and wit were a good start to my day. I could see you in your English town and loved hearing about your family and sweet Eva. God bless you in your new endeavors. We will miss you.

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  19. Hi, Vicky! I'll miss your posts and projects - your blog was a regular stop for me and I always left inspired by your projects. Your three projects today are so clever and made me laugh! "Lettuce Leaf"... hahaha! Smart!

    All the best to you!
    Cindy

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  20. Hello from Bella Coola, British Columbia, Canada - seems like you have lots of fans across the water. I have enjoyed your blog with my morning coffee and will miss seeing what beautiful design you have come up with each day. I have gotten a lot of inspiration from you and hope I will be able to still access your past posts for more ideas. Enjoy your time with your family and Eva!

    Kathy

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  21. I haven't commented recently Vicky but I always look at your fabulous cards and will miss them. I'm sure you have good reasons for giving up your blog so I'll just wish you all the very best... you'll be missed! x

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  22. Vicky, your creative inspiration, humor, and fun are the reason I love coming to your blog - sadly I live in Arizona so could not support your business. Your blog posts will be greatly missed and I'm so sorry to see them end. Best wishes to you.

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  23. So sorry to see you go, your projects were so inspirational. I wish you all the best for the future to you, your family and pets. Xxx

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  24. Wishing you all the best Vicky and fingers crossed you'll come back one day. Will miss your posts xx

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  25. Dear Vicky, That is rather sad for us to read. I really loved the inspiration you gave us. I'm sure you have good reasons for your decision but wanted to let you know that you will be missed in the blogging community! All the best for you and your family, Susi (German demo)

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  26. Totally gutted you won't be blogging anymore!! Have loved your posts and gained so much inspiration from you. All I can say is thank you and good luck x

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  27. dear Vicky shall really miss all the inspiration, the hints, posts, tips and patient answers to all my questions. but wishing you well and shall cross fingers with the best of them that you might pop back some day.. Very very best wishes to you, x

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  28. Nooooooooooooooooooooo...........whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy?

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  29. I am from New Zealand and have been following your blog for a long time. Will miss your beautiful cards and chat. I can understand your decision to step down as a demonstrator but wish you were able to occasionally post the odd card or two! Best wishes for your future endeavours.

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  30. Very very sad to see you leave blogging, as I have already said I will miss seeing your updates and your inspirations, no one quite compares to your work. Enjoy your retirement, never know we might be lucky to see you back one day. all the best from Australia

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  31. Vicky, sweetheart. I know how hard a decision this has been for you, but I also know how much of a weight will have begun to lift from your shoulders. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you! I love you and cannot thank you enough. You know where I am if you need me, my amazingly amazing Stampin' Mamma. Very gentle hugs xxx

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  32. So sorry to see you go! I have loved seeing your beautiful cards. You have brightened many of my days! Here's to a happy future for your family and you......and your pup!

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  33. Like all the previous comments I too will miss your blog posts for their inspiration, creativity and pure fun. A little peek into the life in the English countryside for a California girl. Thank you and best of luck on this adventure called life to you and your family.

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  34. I will miss seeing your lovely cards. However I do hope you continue to stamp as I love your elegant style. I also loved seeing pictures of your stunning pup!

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  35. I'm so sad to see my Stampin' Up! 'Mum' leave :( Thanks to you I discovered a beautiful CAS style to crafting, and gathered so much inspiration.
    Take care of yourself and I hope you still find yime to get creative now and then.
    best wishes and big hugs,
    Lizy xx

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  36. Vicky! I am devastated! Over the past year I've become devoted to your blog. I so appreciated all your creativity and inspiration, along with your clever sense of humor. I just knew that if we ever met we would be best friends immediately! I wish you all sorts of good things for whatever is next in your life. Things change all the time so perhaps we will still get a chance to be best friends someday. : ) Thanks for sharing Crafting Clare with us!

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  37. All the best to you - I'll miss your creative designs and the little tales of your life. Take care!

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  38. So sad you are finishing up, you really have been a wonderful inspiration, wonderful artist and wonderful person and simply amazing blog! Thank you so much for all you have shared with us - it will be greatly missed but hopefully you will keep creating and maybe we may encourage you to come back again one day even if it is just occasionally :-) ! Thank you and all the best for the future. Louise Edmonds

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  39. Just want to wish you all the best for the future. My morning coffee will be the poorer without your inspiration.. Thank you. k x

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  40. Hi Vicky
    This is so sad... Watery eyes!!... You have given me some wonderful inspiration... Over the years... and help... Loved all your stories... Seeing your fabulous family... Grow up ... and Eva so beautiful...
    Will really miss you Vicky.... Hope to keep in touch... My lovely Friend....
    Hugs Sylvie xx

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  41. I'm so sad to see you go! I loved visiting your blog every day and found so much inspiration in it. I wish you all the best and hope you will enjoy being with your family and look after yourself! From Holland with love, Mimi van Wanrooij.

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  42. Hi Vicky
    Very sad to read that you are finishing up blogging. I have so enjoyed seeing your unique creations and reading your stories. Good luck with whatever you choose to do next. And thanks for the inspiration.
    Anna

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  43. So sorry to see you leave blogging Vicky, you will be sorely missed! Take care, and I do hope one day you will return xxx

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  44. So sorry to read that your blogging days are over. Your crafting was just fabulous. As a fellow dog owner, it was lovely to read about the funny things our pets can get up to as well! What ever you have in mind for your future, I hope it is a very happy one. Take care of yourself. My morning coffee will be a quicker event know :(

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  45. All good things come to an end I guess but I was really shocked when I returned from holiday to read your 'last post'. Yours was my go to blog for inspiration, I loved receiving my Stamper 6 parcels with your little personal touches and reading your posts was always a hoot! I am sending my very best wishes for whatever is your next endeavour, you can't keep a good woman down, I say. Take care, count your blessings and live well! I will miss you in blog land. Louise x

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  46. Well what a loss to all of us. You have created beautiful cards and inspired so many people. Wishing you and your family every good wish for the future and I hope we see you back one day when it works for you and yours.
    Your closing cards are brilliant and very entertaining and stylish as we would expect. Let's hope not really the last............ Zx

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  47. So sorry that you are no longer blogging and sharing your wonderful projects with us. Best wishes to you and your family (and pets!) and I hope that someday you will return with more of your cute stories to share!

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  48. I'm sorry to not see you any longer. Your cards are terrific but it is you and your family and stories I will miss. It's wonderful to see a family with such a great sense of humor and thanks for sharing your life with us. Hugs and best wishes for your next endeavor. You will be missed.

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  49. Aww No not another one biting the dust!! So sad to see you go - hope life is kind to you. Rachelxx

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  50. I'm really sad to know you're not going to be sharing your talent with us anymore! I couldn't buy from you as I'm in the USA, but I loved your style! Enjoy whatever is in your future. You will be missed!

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  51. Vicky,You have touched the crafty lives of so many people-you are such a lovely person and I wish you only good things and good times.
    Love and hugs,Nessa xxx

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  52. Hi Vicky, I ran across this post as I used your minecraft card as inspiration to use for my toddler daughter. I am sending you thoughts and prayers and hope that everything is ok. Regardless, you are an amazing talent and seem to be a genuinely gorgeous person inside and out. Hate to see you go but maybe.. just maybe... our paths will meet again. Take care - Cathy.

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  53. Thank you so much for the wonderful work you've done! I will miss you! Take care x x

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  54. Oh say it isn't so!! {reaching for tissues} Vicky, I have so enjoyed your blog - you are so talented and witty. I have missed your posts, but thought maybe you were just on vacation. I will miss you, your beautiful work, family, and Eva! Best wishes! Hope to see you back someday:-)

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  55. Vicky, I'm gutted! I haven't been the most reliable commenter but I've always been in awe of your talent and style not only as a card designer but also as a story teller - I've had many a giggle reading your posts! I hope that you are healthy and well and that your reasons for closing up shop are positive ones. Thank you for sharing your talent and inspiration and I wish you and your family all the best in the future!

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  56. Hi Vicky. I too gave up my Stampin' Up demonstratorship in August and had stayed away from the blogosphere as well. Needed some inspiration tonight and thought to check your blog. I'm saddened to learn that you are no longer blogging. I have truly enjoyed your work and have taken much inspiration from it. As well, I have enjoyed the tales of your family and life in the UK. Godspeed!

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  57. I too have enjoyed your inspirations in the past! I hope all is well and that you are enjoying a lovely spring in the UK. best wishes from Australia.

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  58. Sorry to see you go, lettuce leaf is such a great pun though, made me chuckle!

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  59. Vicki,
    I can't tell you how many times I Google an 'old' Stampin' Up set and have one of your card designs catch my eye... So this time I landed at your blog, and after enjoying the card from 12 Sept. 2014, hit "Home" to see more recent doings. Was saddened to discover your farewell... Be that as it may, I hope you are doing well in new endeavors, and want to let you know that your cards continue to inspire. Thank you so much!

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I'd love to know what you think. Do leave me a comment - it always makes my day! Vicky x


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